When in Roatán…
Roatán, Honduras
Looking back at photos and videos of our trip to Roatán, it felt like I had visited the edge of the world… and in some ways, maybe I did.After all, Roatán is an island 40 miles off the coast of Honduras itself. It had this special feeling about it and it was unlike any other Caribbean island I had seen before or since. Even the waters have their own unique color that is impossible to describe.
Roatán was an unexpected trip as we were slated to go on a cruise in the Eastern Caribbean, but hurricane season had shut that down and we were rerouted to the West. Since this was our first time on a cruise we decided to go with one of the excursions, and we chose the “Top 10 of Roatán." This was an all day event that took us to wildlife preserves, beachfront areas, local coffee and chocolate processing shops, and ended with a historical performance by the local Garafuna tribe.
Now when I am on a cruise, I don’t usually take the packaged excursions, and will usually opt to get a cab or arrange with someone after arriving at port. All things considered, this was a great value for the price -and- we really got exposed to a lot of the culture. We hopped on a bus that took us to the local chocolate factory, spent time in town at local shops, visited an iguana farm with other exotic animals and a bird sanctuary, went to a rum shop, and then ended at a beach and a historical site with the Garfuna people.
If I could do it all over again, I would arrange something myself and go find some local food. I’d look for a museum or a place with art and spend time there. Not that my excursion wasn’t a good time, it’s just that I needed more time to sit and dig deep into what this island has to offer. Like I said before, there was something about Roatán that made me feel like I was at the edge of the world in a very deep and moving way, and I long to feel that again. Maybe this post will make you consider finding that feeling for yourself.
To all the music festivals I’ve loved before…
Or, “A Love Song to Summer”
My very first music festival was just outside Atlanta in 2014 and it was called “Counterpoint.” To anyone who remembers this now-defunct festival, you’ll recall it lasted for a few years then went away due to… reasons I did not want to deeply research for the purposes of this blog. At any rate, at that time I was a few months away from turning 30 and I was open to trying new things. The lineup alone was amazing and beyond worth the cost of admission, I mean, Outkast was reuniting and performing there! I had to see it!
Things I learned those three days in April: 1. Always think through your hydration and hygiene plan. 2. Make realistic decisions about what performances you will and will not see. 3. Comfort is everything; know your non-negotiables.
After that, I needed more, and the following year I talked my now-husband into going to the middle-of-nowhere Tennessee for a 4-day festival known as Bonnaroo. And honestly, I was never the same after that.
Bonnaroo is more than a festival. It is one of the freest experiences I have ever had in my adult life, no kidding. We refer to it as “dropping out of life”, just four whole days of non-stop music, parties, dancing, lounging, and… substances (if you’re into that kind of thing). There’s three main stages, other small stages, a club (with its own lineup), theme parties, parades, all kinds of foods, and each camp site has its own list of events, shows, and music! It literally has something for EVERY ONE!
I went again in 2018 and I hope to go again in the future. It’s hot as balls, but MAN what a time!
Then there’s the one that has been The Webbs mainstay for several years now: One Music Fest (OMF). This Black-owned festival was founded right here in Atlanta and features exclusively Black artists which makes it a standout on the festival scene. OMF has its namesake because originally it was one day only and just had a full lineup from morning until night, then it expanded to a Friday night and all day Saturday, and now it is a full two-day (Saturday and Sunday) lineup! OMF just continues to expand and offer bigger names and more experiences within the festival grounds, and that’s what I love about it. That and because OMF shows love to our classic artists and our music; this is where new Black artists can get their break, and old school artists can get their roses.
The only unfortunate thing about festival season is just that: it’s a season. It breezes in with spring’s warm sunny days and cool nights, hits a peak frenzy with the summer haze, and then rolls away quickly with the amber-colored leaves of fall. I miss it especially in this time of year, but before I know it, those early pre-sale emails will be rolling out and signaling the promise of good vibes and good times.
What’s your favorite festival? Have you been to one of the ones in this list? Sound off via email at wherearethewebbs1@gmail.com
Easy as ABC: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao
Cruise to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao
While many may be familiar with the beautiful beaches, endless shopping, and non-stop party scene of Aruba, few are as well acquainted with the nearby Dutch Caribbean islands of Bonaire and Curaçao. Here, we give our impressions of all three and let you know what to see/skip, the basics for getting around the island, and if we would go again - come dive in!
Let’s start with Aruba! We’ve heard a lot about Aruba and certainly seen our fair share of posts, videos, and information on this gorgeous island. If nothing else, Aruba is known for its array of beaches with each one having its own unique characteristics. And if you are looking for ways to get around to all these beautiful beaches there are plenty of cabs, car/scooter rentals, and even local buses available right at the port. (No, I’m not talking about party buses specifically but there are plenty of those too!)
While in Aruba we started on foot and ventured to the local mall and casino, stopping for some local coffee ad then hitching a cab to Eagle Beach. This beach was absolutely stunning! There were some restaurant/bars here and there along the length of the beach, and Mrs. Webb ventured all the way down to the Fofoti tree line at the beaches end. Aruba is where you go when you want to really get away but still have all the comforts of home, you know? There’s pink and white sand beaches AND Starbucks, there’s local fresh seafood joints AND McDonald’s.
And after dark… it’s party buses, clubs, and bars wide open up and down the main drag! Aruba is definitely where the parties are and they do not skimp on the liquor! Because this island is so tourist friendly, it’s easy to see why so many people make this a destination unto itself; we would highly recommend and are planning to return again!
Worth It: Literally any beach, pick your favorite! Tres Papi, Manchebo are highly recommended. Go beach hopping and/or get out on an ATV. Anker Fish Co. - get the fish burger. Iguana Joe’s - good food and good drinks at reasonable prices, and it’s right on the strip at the Royal Plaza Mall. It’s worth it to find the public buses to ride to popular spots or get a cab; our cab ride for five people was $20 to get to the beach and $20 back.
Skip It: Pre-made tours - create your own fun! Also, skip the mall and Starbucks and all the regular stuff you could do here. It’s a vacation, at least eat local!
Honorable Mention: Apotek Speakeasy Bar, The Dutch Pancakehouse, the Conchi Natural Pool - all on our list for next visit! And, the party buses deserve a shout out here! Honestly, we had pooh-pooh’d these for being touristy wastes of time, BUT, they honestly looked like fun and seemed to be a great way to visit bars and pubs! We may check them out on a future visit.
B is for Bonaire, and for breathtakingly beautiful! Bonaire is raw, a true gem and diamond in the rough. Now, what that means is this island is not for everybody and will not be everyone’s cup of tea. Bonaire is becoming a more touristy destination but is not there yet. So no big-name hotels, no fancy shopping, very little in the way of sightseeing, and no established night life.
So what is there then???
BEAUTY!!! From the color of the water at the beaches to the caverns, caves and cacti - this island is just gorgeous! And the local restaurants feature almost every kind of cuisine you can think of! For some, this means it is underdeveloped and needs time to grow, but for me that makes Bonaire unique. If you snorkel, scuba, or just like to swim at beach then they have all you need! That being said, this island can be explored by tours (in advance or after arrival), by car rental or scooter. Our recommendation would be to get a vehicle and explore on your own, just don’t bother the flamingos!
Worth It: The 1000 Steps - not literally, it’s 65 steps, but a perfect area to get into the water and get great photos. Roos Surinam Food - think along the lines of Filipino food, worth stopping in. The local market - get some local liquor made from the cadushy cactus.
Skip It: Chachacha Beach - it’s right at the port and is not a beach so much as a rocky space to sit on the shore. The Slave Huts - do I need to say why? The salt flats - while this area is beautiful, it is far out and hard to capture in photos. Sorobon Beach - by far the worst beach here and its overrun with tourists. Matter of fact, skip the tours and go your own way; there are cabs around and cars/scooters for rent, just know the terrain is rocky.
Honorable Mentions: The Cadushy Distillery - originally this was the top of our list but we found out the locals are not fond of this place and see it is gentrification; you decide for yourself, but we chose to shop with a family at the market instead. Klein Bonaire - we didn’t get to go, but I wish we could have made it! Food wise here is a list of “want to gos” - Between 2 Buns, Yhanni’s Arepas, Bobbejan’s, Dominican Urban Food Truck.
Last and definitely not least, is the lovely island of Curaçao (yes, like the liquor), but it is so much more than just that! Thinking about how to describe Curaçao now leaves me at a loss for words. It’s welcoming and open, it has a developed cityscape and plenty of beach areas. From the moment we arrived at port there were tons of vendors and shops (of course) and just beyond that, the first place you enter is Rif Fort, which is an old fort converted into shops and restaurants. If you decide to hang in this area be aware that the ocean waves crash high into the fort so keep an eye out or you just might get wet! Just beyond this is the Queen Emma floating bridge that takes you across to the Punda Love Heart Art Installation and downtown. Here are shops, stores, restaurants and cabs waiting to take you around or to the beaches. We caught a cab to the Landhuis Chobolobo Curaçao Distillery and then Mambo Beach which was a lovely combination of getting tipsy and getting some sun and surf!
Worth It: The Landhuis Chobolobo Distillery - get the original blue liquor and grab a flavor you can’t get anywhere else! Mambo Beach - as far as touristy beaches go, this one was spacious and had all the amenities you need. Cabs were $5 per person per trip, so renting a car or scooter isn’t necessary unless you want to.
Skip It: Honestly, I got nothing. We genuinely enjoyed our full experience here and can’t wait to go again!
Honorable Mentions: Kokomo! Yes, THE KOKOMO! If you like living out song lyrics, then go find it! Grote Knip - a beautiful more isolated beach. Netto Bar, Bodega Siete Gotas, RIALTO Surinam restaurant, and Cascada Rooftop bar make our list of future places to have food and drinks.
Roast me!
I would say winter is the perfect time to roast some meats, but honestly, any time of year will do!
I'm not much of a storyteller when it comes to recipes, but maybe that's a skill developed over time. What I will say about these recipes is that they were both made after careful research and crafted with love and care.
The short ribs are a recipe I've made several times over the years and I think this was my best version yet! Admittedly I still have to Google the best kind of red wine for cooking (cabernet BTW) but this recipe is always worth getting the best ingredients and taking time to do it right. Check it out!
Braised Short Ribs
Short ribs (get ‘em meaty)
A bottle of cooking red wine, cabernet sauvignon (don’t go cheap, get something decent!)
Beef broth (4 cups)
Onion (small, diced)
Garlic (minced)
Mushrooms (get your favorite kind, you can also add in celery or carrots if you want more veggies)
Salt
Cracked black pepper
Cooking oil
Rinse your meat (always)!
Season your ribs with salt and cracked black pepper - be generous!
Heat up a few tablespoons of cooking oil in a Durch oven pot, brown meat on all sides, and remove.
Cook onions, garlic, and mushrooms then add the entire bottle of red and let it simmer!
When the wine reduces to a cup, add the ribs back to the pot along with with beef broth.
Place in the oven at 325 for three hours.
Remove from the over and place on the top of the stove to skim the fat.
Bring to a high simmer for half an hour until the contents brown.
Serve with your favorite sides!
Now, on to the carnitas! Let me tell you, I am someone who has had their fair share of carnitas in various types:chopped, shredded, chunked, beer-braised, cola-cooked, you name it! When I looked up various recipes the carnitas were always cooked in lard, and I needed a bit of a substitute so I used shortening. Another swap is using beer instead of Mexican Coca-Cola which is typically utilized. (Side note: Mexican Coca-Cola is specific because it is made with real sugar and not high fructose corn syrup, so subbing with our Coke is not the same.) Honestly, I just wanted the beer flavor to cook into my pork (and to have some beer to drink afterwards!) Whatever you choose, keep the amounts consistent, here is the recipe!
Carnitas con cerveza
Pork butt
Shortening or lard
Beer or Mexican Coca-Cola
Oranges
Onion
Garlic
Mojo marinade
Adobo seasoning
Black pepper
Clove
Cumin
Bay leaves
Clean your meat (always!)
Marinate in the mojo seasoning overnight.
Drain marinade and cut pork into chunks. Season with adobo, black pepper, cumin, and some clove.
Melt the lard or shortening in a large pot. Make sure it is enough grease to cover the pork.
Cook the pork enough to brown it, then add halved onions and several whole cloves of garlic.
Squeeze oranges and put in the fruit along with a few large bay leaves.
Add 1-1.5 cups of beer or Coke, and equal parts water.
Cook at a high simmer for roughly 2.5 hours stirring every 15-20 minutes to prevent pork from sticking and burning.
When the fluid is sufficiently reduced and pork is browned, turn off and remove from heat.
Serve with tortillas or rice.
Hopefully you can take these recipes and make them your own by adding your own special touches. Please share your pictures with us at Where Are The Webbs? Or share some recipes you would like us to recreate or try!
Where the players play…
Shout out to Ludacris.
A favorite Webb past time is having a few drinks while playing some games. And the type of game doesn’t matter! It could be card games, board games, video games - hell, we might play you in Chutes and Ladders if you have it!
You get the point: we like to have a good buzz and a good time!
And seeing as how combining food, drinks and games is a sure way to lure in all Millennials, there are a number of Atlanta-area businesses that have done just that. So while this is not an exhaustive list, here are some of the ones we tried, enjoyed and now want to recommend.
First up is a place Mrs. Webb has been to a few times, Puttshack! Puttshack is indoor mini-golf that has gone high-tech. Your ball is connected and registered to you, so it doesn’t matter what order you play in or what hole you start on because your ball is keeping track! Puttshack also has a great menu of food and pretty strong drinks, and there are four 9-hole courses so you can have a different experience each time you go! Great for groups, parties, kids (during the daytime), get togethers, and dates! Cost: Gameplay - $ to $$ , Food and Drinks - $$
Next up: Slingshot Social! This spot is games up front, and food/hangout in the back! There are gaming classics with a twist like Pong and Pacman, and then there are the new faves like ax-throwing and beer pong. Upon entering you purchase a card with credits and use that for all your game access. There is also a beer wall where you can sample and drink lagers and ciders. Beyond that is a bar and seating area with tons of TVs so you won’t miss a game and you can order some game day eats. Honestly, you could come for the games, or just hang out and watch some TV by the bar, and either would be a good time. Cost: Gameplay - $$, Food and Drinks -$
In an underground lair in the heart of the city lies The Painted Duck. No lie, we had to look for the green door with the duck head and then go down a flight of steps to find this gem! Once there we were met by a spacious hangout featuring several unique, old timey games and a mini-bowling alley. There is also a full food and bar menu (and one of the most interesting wallpapers we have ever encountered)! If bowling is not your jam (or in the budget) all the other games are free and they also have bands and shows periodically which are worth checking out. Cost: Gameplay (for bowling) - $$-$$$, Food and Drinks - $$
Revery VR Bar! No need to adjust your contrast, this modern spot is adorned with red neon throughout! Revery is surprisingly affordable (especially if you are splitting the cost) and it is a damn good time! It doesn’t matter if you have never encountered a VR helmet before, it is easy and fun to use (just be mindful of your friends who may accidentally try and knock you out!) Add in a couple of decent drinks, an on-site food truck, and a DJ, and you have the makings of a great night out. Cost: Gameplay - $-$$, Food and Drinks - $
Again, this is not a completely exhaustive list, but hopefully it gives you some ideas and a feel for the vibe of each space, and we definitely look forward to adding more!
Have some suggestions of places for us to go? Send recommendations or your favorite spot to us at wherearethewebbs1@gmail.com
A Very Caribbean Christmas
Why do “traditional food”when you could shake things up? What is “traditional Christmas food” anyway?
This meal may not be traditional, but it should be.
It all started with a desire to make a roasted pork shoulder… specifically pernil.
I was feeling this desire to both show off my cooking chops and to make something over-the-top for our first time hosting Christmas in our new home.
Before I get into the story of it all and all the typical recipe backstory yada yada yada, let me give you what you came here for: the recipe!
The Webb Pernil
A sizeable pork shoulder
Roasting pan
Seasonings:
Sazon
Sazonador Total
Adobo
Recaito (jarred)
Olive oil
Garlic
Start by cleaning your meat - this is crucial! We rinse in vinegar diluted with water.
Cut back the top thick layer of fat all the way back to a small connected corner.
“Score” the top layer of fat.
Cut some holes deep into the meat so seasoning can be placed inside.
Blend olive oil, garlic, and recaito to taste. (Seriously we do not measure these things out.) Set this aside.
Use 2 packets of sazon and rub all over, under and through the meat. Be sure to massage it into the holes you cut earlier.
Season all over with adobo generously and follow with the sazonador total.
Finish coating with the wet blend and massage deeply.
Put into your roasting pan and cover. Cook at 250 for several hours, we cooked ours for 8-10.
Uncover and crank the heat to 400 and cook until the top fat is crisp (about 30 minutes).
Break apart and serve!
Now back to the story!
I told Mr. Webb I wanted to make pernil with yellow rice and beans for the holidays. And as he wrapped his head around this concept, it grew in size to add oxtails, mac-and-cheese, and Coquito (the jazzier, Puerto Rican version of egg nog)!
What’s that? You want those recipes too? Say less…
Oxtails…
Get a good meaty pack and don’t be shy about the marinade or rub - get in there!
Oxtails - Webb Style
Oxtails (several packs, make sure they have meat on the bones)
Jerk seasoning (choose your favorite)
A packet of Sazon
Adobo
Black pepper
Better Than Bouillon (Beef)
Clean your meat and rub with seasoning.
Put a little oil in a Dutch oven and brown the meat (don’t fully cook).
Remove oxtails and cook onions and bell peppers.
Return oxtails to the pan, add a tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon and enough water to cover oxtails.
Let simmer for at least 3 hours but the longer the better!
Make sure the meat is falling off the bones and they are ready to serve!
The recipe for macaroni and cheese is not my own, and I give credit where it is due, so here is the link to Delilah’s Seven Cheese Mac and Cheese: Delilah Winder's 7 Cheese Mac and Cheese.
Now, the moment you (may have) been waiting for, our mixed drink recipes! Please note: You can adjust the alcohol to your taste and liking, we tend to be heavy-handed around here!
The Webb Coquito
2 cans evaporated milk
1 can of coconut milk
1 can cream of coconut
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1 cup of light rum
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Glass bottles or jars
Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend on high until combined.
Pour into glass bottles and cover/seal.
Chill until cold and serve! (Preferably wait a few days for best flavors and shake ahead of serving.)
If you make any of our recipes please share! Email Us! and show your food pics!
San Jose del Cabo, MX
Note: This trip was arranged and planned in its entirety just two months before it occurred, and all bookings were made through Expedia. Not a paid endorsement, but it could be!
We wanted to do something pretty big to celebrate 20 years together and 5 years of marriage, so we asked ourselves, “Where is a tropical space that is fairly safe during what is typically peak hurricane season?” Our answer was to go west and check out Los Cabos, Mexico!
Let’s start with a brief geography lesson: Los Cabos is a Mexican municipality in a region also known as Baja California Sur, and is comprised of the cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Why am I telling you this?
This is important to note because Cabo San Lucas has a completely different vibe, personality, and feel than San Jose del Cabo and we did not explore that part of the peninsula. However, while San Jose del Cabo is missing the “night life”, it more than made up for it in its incredible beauty, serenity, and connection to the locals.
The beach at dusk… no filters needed.
Let’s cover the logistics first: as stated above, we booked everything through Expedia which included the all-inclusive resort with ocean-view room, transportation, and flights for two (~$3,000). Our flights in were Atlanta to Los Angeles to Cabo, and outbound was Cabo to Mexico City to Atlanta. Flights were Delta and Aeromexico (a Delta partner). The resort was the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos and transportation to/from the airport was Gray Line Los Cabos ($75-100). We had no complaints about the services and for our money we found it to be worth every penny!
View from the resort lobby… absolutely breathtaking!
The Hyatt Ziva does not have lobby doors, its entrance is a grand stairway to the spacious open lobby and this view of their main pool and the ocean. There are concierges for your bags and a lobby mini-bar set up with a bartender for drinks (alcoholic and non) to get your day started! This resort has six full restaurants, four bars, additional pool-side bars not to mention their daily activities and nightly live entertainment! The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable and have one of the best bathroom layouts we’ve ever experienced (Google search “wet bathroom design” and you’ll see!)
This was our first resort trip but will DEFINITELY not be our last! We enjoyed the variety and selection of foods which ranged from French cuisine to Japanese and (of course) classic Mexican foods. And for the Hyatt Ziva, all inclusive does mean all inclusive. Every bar, restaurant, and snack pop up, including the 24-hour coffee shop, was included (the only exception being the tequila tasting but we decided to splurge a little on that)! Considering cost, value, quality and experience - the Hyatt Ziva receives our Webb-Standard seal of approval! This resort atmosphere is good for couples and families, but honestly, I’d say you should leave the kids at home for this one!
But this would not be a true Webb-style adventure if we didn’t go off the beaten path and venture out! Because Cabo is literally surrounded by the ocean, it prides itself on amazingly fresh seafood and it shows up in the local cuisine and a special hybrid of taco and sushi spots. We ventured to Lateral and Claro Fish Jr. which both came highly recommended by the locals. Lateral features a robust list of tacos and fresh-but-simple drinks. Claro has a menu that is part-Mexican food classics and part sushi-adventure! Both restaurants are a short walk from the resort and both are making everything absolutely fresh rich in flavor! Also noteworthy is the local grocery store”La Comer” which has fresh pressed juices, pastries, hot foods and hand made tortillas. They also have a liquor selection, clothes, appliances and furniture!
Confession time: this trip warranted at LEAST one more day to bask in all that Cabo has to offer so we recommend a minimum four-night stay. There are also plenty of other resorts and hotels in the area, so look around to make sure you’re getting the amenities you want i.e. adult-only v kid-friendly, all-inclusive or standard, etc. The good news is now that we have become acquainted, our next trip will allow us to dive deeper into this gorgeous area!
Bimini, Bahamas
Sweet, sweet Bimini
Note: We have returned to Bimini since the original writing of this post and learned that “Big Mike” had unfortunately passed away. From speaking with the locals, we learned that his food stand lives on in his honor and memory. RIP - Big Mike
Just look at this picture and tell me honestly if you’ve ever seen a more beautiful beach in your entire life?
No seriously, Bimini is this breathtaking from every possible angle. I’ve been to quite a few Caribbean islands and yet this one intrigued me in a completely different way. It’s one of the few that I could see myself going to and staying for days at a time.
Beyond just the beauty of this beach (see what I did there?) the sand itself was like a soft blanket and the water was so clear you could literally see for miles. It was absolutely stunning and completely peaceful.
But that’s only part of the reason you came to this article. The other draw is the FOOD! Mr. Webb and I were on the touristy side of things just long enough to realize that riding the tram took us to the resort areas only. If you know anything about us, know that we live to get off the beaten bath and find an adventure! So we asked the locals where was the best spot to get a fresh conch salad. The overwhelming response was one place: Big Mike’s.
They drastically undersold how delicious and FRESH this food is! To begin with, Big Mike’s is not a restaurant but an oceanside stand (my favorite kinda place!) Big Mike himself is catching fresh conch and breaking it down into a fantastic ceviche’ right in front of you as you sit at his makeshift bar. Not only that, but he is grilling up some generously seasoned pork chops, ribs, and chicken!
While you are waiting for your meal (and make no mistake, there is a wait), you can can pull up to the bar or at a table and have a local beer, mixed drink, or get yourself a gully wash!
No, I’m not making up words. Gully wash is the name of a signature drink native to the Bahamian islands. It is typically made with coconut coconut water and condensed milk mixed with gin, and there is an option to order it “unleaded” without any alcohol.
But where’s the fun in that?!
Mr. Webb and I both got a leaded gully wash and sipped S L O W L Y which is recommended because this drink is a creeper!
And as we sat there soaking in the sun, the gorgeous view, the merry company, and dived into these heavy plates… everything just sort of paused and slowed down. Island time definitely doesn’t move like regular time. Even now I can feel the entire experience again as if it just happened. I can’t tell you enough how much I fell in love with Bimini in the 8 hours I spent there.
I know we only scratched the surface and that’s what makes me want to go back for even more!
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, NC
When we told people we were going to Charlotte for our fourth wedding anniversary you would’ve thought we committed some kind of sin.
“Charlotte? Are you sure?” “Why?” “Don’t you want to go somewhere… nice?”
Dang, Charlotte can’t get any love?!
Truth be told, there’s a lot to Charlotte and we only got to scratch the surface in our three days there.
So after an adventure in getting into our Airbnb (we will HAVE to do a blog series on that one day) we went straight over to Optimist Hall and right into Billy Sunday’s.
While deviled eggs are not your typical food fare when drinking, they should be. Not only does Billy Sunday’s have some of the best devilied eggs I have ever had, their drinks are even more impressive and so is their upstairs companion, Spindle Bar. Also noteworthy, is El Thrifty for indoor mini-bowling and all your favorite childhood games.
Venturing around the city for some late night eats we found Tattoz and Booz which actually is a restaurant/bar and tattoo shop! Unfortunately it was too late to set up a couples tattoo appointment -but- the night was saved by some good wings and cheesesteak eggrolls to soak up our drinks.
And speaking of drinks, no anniversary celebration would be complete without a toast and a classy night out. We chose a newer spot that provided just the right amount of bougie: Mizu. This spot is located at the rooftop of the Hyatt Centric and features an upscale fusion of southern and Asian fare.
Now the real story was the marathon we completed on our way out of town as we tried to string together some noteworthy stops along the way! We ventured into the area known as “NoDa” or North Davidson and tried a medley of eats and drinks, here are the faves: Reigning Doughnuts - small on size, big on freshness and flavor; Cabo Fish Taco - it’s in the name! Get the fish taco, fresh salsas, and margaritas; Sabor Latin Street Grill - fresh, made from scratch and hot out the grease empanadas to soak up your beverage of choice, and a salsa bar with all the flavors you love; JackBeagle’s NoDa - no doubt the best spot for football season equipped with game day heavy eats and a striking beer menu; Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen - far from the bayou in name only cause the flavors will take you there and then some; and finally Salud Beer Shop - their pizzas are either Outkast songs or lyrics and honestly we can’t think of a better way to honor one of our all-time faves, everything here is delicious and this spot is a vibe!
ATL-Heaux!
Forever I Love Atlanta…
Note: Since the time of writing this post originally, we have relocated to an area just south of Atlanta and have started to explore and dive into the city. See our social media profiles for some up-to-date and recent food adventures!
Although both Mr. and Mrs. Webb represent their hometowns to the fullest (shout out to Griffin and Augusta respectively), they are not shy about their love for the capital city of Atlanta.
Puttshack Atlanta - Indoor mini golf courses, good bar eats, and strong drinks. Perfect for fun with friends or a competitive date night.
And while we both have fond memories from childhood (i.e. the World of Coca-Cola and Old Atlanna in general) we have to direct our focus to the present-day version of the city and its events, hot spots, hidden gems, and happenings.
The Beltline - A massive project connecting several of Atlanta’s areas with trails, parks, and public art. Come out for exercise, fresh air, or the ambiance.
With an ever growing population and new restaurants and attractions opening all the time, it is never a bad time to highlight some of what the ATL has to offer. Just when you think you have it all figured out the A will be sure to show you something new. From concerts and festivals to art exhibits and a diverse restaurant scene, there is nothing you cannot find in and around the city.
Tokyo Valentino Sandy Springs - Ever been to an adult shop with a DJ, champagne, and live entertainment? (Their main location will offer you more than that, if you are adventurous enough!)
From megachurches to sex shops you can find it in Atlanta. One of our favorite places for novelty items is Tokyo Valentino. (See photo above.) With multiple locations throughout Atlanta you are likely to find yourself near one whenever you are out and about. Each one has its own vibe and feel, and some even have some additional attractions. ;) IYKYK.
Little Rey Al Carbon - Imagine your favorite taco meats and now picture that flavor cooked over hot coals… and then imagine that inside a handmade tortilla. Yep. This is that kinda spot.
One of the things that Atlanta is becoming more known for is its international food scene. Buford Hwy is an area lined with restaurants specializing in foods from several different countries. Whenever we venture into this area we make a point to try a new spot and they never disappoint! You can also find international farmers markets and grocery stores throughout the city. (See also: H-Mart)
The Select - Sandy Springs: Beautiful setting, original rotating menu of delicious foods, and CBD cocktails… what’s not to love?
We could never contain all that Atlanta has to offer in one blog post so stay tuned for more updates and adventures here and on our social media pages.